What exactly qualifies as a “real ale”? This term is often used to describe British cask-conditioned ales that are served directly from the cask without any added pressure. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experiencing and exploring a wide range of beers, including real ales. Let me share my insights and personal experiences to provide a detailed answer to your question.
1. Cask-Conditioned Ales: Real ales are typically cask-conditioned, which means they undergo a secondary fermentation in the cask itself. This process allows the ale to naturally carbonate without the need for added pressure. The carbonation levels are lower compared to beers that are force-carbonated, resulting in a smoother and less fizzy mouthfeel.
2. Hand-Pulled from the Cask: One of the distinguishing features of real ale is how it is served. Instead of being dispensed through a traditional tap, real ales are often served using a hand-pull, also known as a beer engine. This hand-operated pump draws the ale directly from the cask, maintaining the natural carbonation and preserving the flavors.
3. All-Malt Brews: Real ales are typically brewed using only malted barley, water, hops, and yeast, without the addition of any adjuncts or artificial ingredients. This traditional brewing approach allows the true flavors of the malt and hops to shine through, resulting in a more authentic and nuanced taste profile.
4. No Pasturization or Filtration: Real ales are usually unpasteurized and unfiltered. This means that the beer retains more of its natural flavors and aromas, as well as any yeast sediment that may settle at the bottom of the cask. While this may result in a slightly hazy appearance, it adds to the overall character and authenticity of the beer.
5. Variety of Styles: Real ales come in a wide range of styles, catering to different preferences and tastes. From light and refreshing bitters to robust and malty stouts, there is a real ale to suit every palate. Some popular styles of real ale include pale ales, India pale ales (IPAs), brown ales, and porters.
Personal experiences have taught me that enjoying a real ale goes beyond just the taste. The entire experience of pulling a pint from a hand-pull, witnessing the natural carbonation, and savoring the unique flavors and aromas adds to the charm and authenticity of the beer. The sense of tradition and craftsmanship associated with real ales is something that beer enthusiasts often appreciate and seek out.
To summarize, real ales are cask-conditioned British ales that are served directly from the cask without added pressure. They are typically all-malt brews, hand-pulled using a beer engine, and are unpasteurized and unfiltered. The variety of styles ensures there is a real ale for every beer lover. So, next time you come across a real ale, take a moment to savor its unique qualities and immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of this beloved beer style.